Now I have seen everything!!!!!!

In your calculation are you making the assumption that his electric rate will not increase over the next 17 years?
His rate increased 5% in the last decade (Very rural). Even if it went up 10% from now for the duration, it only makes the payoff two years sooner. That's also assuming 100% efficiency for the panels, with no decrease in output over that time, which I know will occur too.